Your Essential OC Happy Hour Guide

Tustin Brewing Co.
A lengthy, cheap and varied happy hour. Head into the Rapunzel-fantasy entry, and fight for a a seat at the worn bar. Choose to drink the excellent in-house brews ($4) such as the Golden Spike light ale, which is what Budweiser wishes it could be. If none of them calls, go for a selection of other craft brews such as Russian River or the Bruery. Pair your selection with the county’s best onion rings, “armadillo eggs” (jalapeño poppers) or a plate of sausage with in-house bread. (DL) 13011 Newport Blvd., Ste. 100, Tustin, (714) 665-2337; www.tustinbrewery.com. Mon.-Wed., 3-6 p.m. & 10-11 p.m.; Thurs., 3-11 p.m.; Fri., 3-6 p.m.; Sun., 10-11 p.m.

Jason Levesque/Stuntkid

Auld Dubliner

Jason Levesque/Stuntkid

Lazy Dog Cafe

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Wildfish Seafood Grille
There are two bars at Wildfish. You want the one on the patio, where the firepit warms and the breezes cool. Listen to the bartender for suggestions: The rich and meaty lobster bisque can be split for two at no extra charge. Then sear oh-so-tender, slender slices of Wagyu beef on a blazing-hot rock. Fill up on a massive plate of fried calamari wok-tossed with carrots, scallions, cashews and a zingy, vaguely Asian sweet-and-sour sauce. Wash it all down with a perfumy $6 martini made with vodka, cranberry and peach Schnapps. (EG) 1370 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, (949) 720-9925; www.eddiev.com. Tues.-Sat., 4-7 p.m.; Sun.-Mon., 4-11 p.m.

Zov’s
Not only do Zov Karamardian’s bistros have the most conveniently timed happy hours around, but they also have the best arrays of food. Some of the $5 offerings are twists on the standard fare, such as the “Chips & Salsa,” in which fried pita points sub for tortilla chips, and a refreshing mix of diced cucumber, jalapeño and feta replaces the pico de gallo. Others are more distinctive: The herb-and-parmesan rice fritter, a fluffy love child of a falafel and a hush puppy, will blow your mind—if the pomegranate martinis don’t cloud it first. (EG) 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, (714) 838-8855; www.zovs.com. 3915 Portola Pkwy., Irvine, (714) 734-9687;www.zovs.com. 21123 Newport Coast Dr., Newport Beach, (949) 760-9687;www.zovs.com. Daily, 4-7 p.m.

A shortened (by four places!) version of this article appeared in print as "Intoxicating: Your essential OC Happy Hour Guide."